Debbie Leigh, Design Manager at ILIV offers her expert advice as she reveals her inspiration for Summer '23 decorating schemes. 

Create a Coastal Retreat
"There's something undeniably restful about an easy, breezy coastal-inspired decor scheme. It works well in any room of the house but is particularly well-suited to living spaces, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The calming blues and crisp whites found in the Riviera, Aqua & Mineral colourways of our Portland fabric collection (pictured below) can be easily combined to create a soothing decor scheme that is synonymous with this laid-back nautical style. When combining striped fabrics, choose stripes with varying widths and patterns for a well-considered look." advises Debbie.
 
Pictured above: Portland Fabric Collection - Riviera, Aqua & Mineral, priced from £45.00 per metre.
 
Pictured above, left to right: Curtains in 
Sea-Ferns fabric in Marine, priced at £30.00 per metre. Curtains in Newport in Aqua, priced at £45.00 per metre.
 

Pictured above, left to right: Maine Aqua, £48.00 per metre. Portland Aqua, £53.00 per metre.

Debbie continues, "The coastal decor trend can be as formal or as informal as you like, so have fun with it and create something that appeals to you. Fabric that features coastal-inspired designs such as sea birds, corals, and boats are a great way to add personality and a splash of colour to your scheme. Finish the look with washed woods, natural jute rugs, and accessories such as seascape wall art and ship-worthy lighting."
Pictured above: Sea and Sand Collection, priced from £30.00 per metre.

Pictured above, from left to right: Seabirds Fabric Marine, £30.00 per metre.  Sea-ferns Fabric Marine, £30.00 per metre. Hove Coral, £37.00 per metre. Seaside Fabric Riviera , £37.00 per metre.

Opt for Classic Country 
"A classic country-style decor scheme takes inspiration from the natural world to bring colour, pattern and texture to a room in a soft, inviting way" explains Debbie. She continues, "To achieve this look combine natural materials such as wood and stone with layers of soft furnishings. This will bring warmth to your interior and create a welcoming country-style space that is easy to live with. Soft furnishing has a significant impact on the overall feel of a room, so choose your fabrics wisely. Layer plains and patterns carefully; when using patterns on upholstery it is best to keep the cushions plain or go for a plain fabric for the upholstery, and experiment with a mixture of colours and patterns on scatter cushions and throws." 
 

Pictured above: Country Journal Collection, Blue Mist, priced from £27.00 per metre.

The Country Journal collection (pictured above and below) is perfect for those wanting to create an elegant country-style look. Debbie comments "Inspired by the serenity of nature, Country Journal features studies of alliums, woodland grasses, and meadow flowers alongside beautiful ferns and flower heads - there are also classic coordinating fabrics including a classic stripe and small-scale designs. The colour stories are based on heritage paint colours making it an ideal choice for those wanting to create a sophisticated country-style interior."
 
Pictured above: Country Journal, Denim, priced from £27.00 per metre.
Pictured above, from left to right: Chervil Denim, £27.00 per metre. Country Journal, Denim, £33.00 per metre.

Hotel Chic 
"Dressing your bed with a mixture of cushions in varying shapes and sizes, adding plush throws, and hanging stylish floor-length curtains are all great ways to help create a hotel-like feel in a bedroom" advises Debbie. She continues, "Cleverly layered textiles in different fabrics will not only create a cohesive look but will build a feeling of luxury. One of the most important factors to consider when combining different fabrics is the colours that are used. Ensure that they are tonal, so they complement one another; mix patterns and plains within a coordinated palette to create a harmonious scheme."
 

Pictured above, from left to right: Chervil Denim, £27.00 per metre. Country Journal, Denim, £33.00 per metre.
 
Pictured above: Charwood Collection, Wildroose and Putty, priced from £37.00 per metre. 
"When it comes to using pattern, large-scale designs work best when used on large, statement pieces such as a dramatic pair of curtains or headboard. If space allows, go for drapes – the longer and wider the better for a dramatic hotel feel. In smaller spaces, using a pattern on a statement headboard or piece of furniture will add drama without overcrowding the room" comments Debbie. 
 
Pictured above: Babooshka Collection, Malachite, price from £28.00 per metre.
Bring the Outdoors In 
A botanical decor scheme is perfect for the Summer months and is a great way to create a link to your outside space. Debbie comments "To create a blissful botanical-inspired interior choose fabrics that reflect the great outdoors - leafy patterns in varying sizes are ideal for this scheme and look beautiful paired with real house plants. A botanical theme is suitable for any room of the house but works particularly well in a conservatory or garden room where you can incorporate your garden view."
 
Pictured above: Victorian Glasshouse Collection, from £27.00 per metre.
 
Pictured above, from left to right: Victorian Glasshouse, Spruce, £30.00 per metre. Alani Orange, £84.00 per metre.
"Traditionally a conservatory is used as an extra seating area to enjoy the garden, but they actually make fabulous dining rooms too. Conservatory dining areas offer a great opportunity to experiment with pattern and colour and often it is the fabric that pulls a whole look together. From napkins to window dressings, there are endless avenues to explore when designing your space" advises Debbie.
 
Pictured above: Enchanted Garden Collection, Pampas, from £27.00 per metre.
Pictured above: Palmaria Forest, £35.00 per metre. Enchanted Garden Collection, Pampas, £52.00 per metre.
Oriental Inspiration 
Oriental decor schemes often conjure up feelings of peace and calm making them ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Debbie comments "For a zen-like space with a modern feel try basing your colour palette on a tranquil blue colour. Blue is set to be on trend for Summer 2023 and is both soothing and invigorating, offering plenty of design versatility. Used with crisp white and oriental style fabrics, it creates a cool calming feel - consider adding a statement piece of furniture in a standout colour such as a strong yellow to really make it sing." 
 
Pictured above: Siyuri Fabric Collection, Delft, from £27.00 per metre.
Pictured above: Siyuri Fabric Collection, Delft, from £27.00 per metre.
The Siyuri fabric collection offers a modern take on the traditional Chinoiserie design, and the Delft colourway (pictured above and below) is ideal for creating a blue decor scheme inspired by the Orient. Debbie comments "Large-scale prints in the Siyuri collection feature cranes in-flight and mandarin ducks, floating serenely on oriental lakes, surrounded by delicate water lilies. Bonsai, and other trees synonymous with the Chinoiserie style, can be seen throughout the collection in luxurious jacquards and rich detailed embroideries. Smaller scale, structured Chinese lattice designs, and softer textural fabrics are also available, allowing customers to easily combine fabric patterns to create beautifully layered, harmonious interior schemes."
 
Pictured above, from left to right: Siyuri Delft, £27.00 per metre. Porcelaine Delft, £27.00 per metre.